People of State Pension age have only a few weeks left to qualify for the UK Government’s £650 means-tested cost of living payment. To be eligible for the extra financial support, anyone currently receiving State Pension payments must make a new claim for Pension Credit before August 18.
The qualifying period for the first part of the £650 cost of living payment - worth £326 - was any day between April 26, 2022 to May 25, 2022, however, Pension Credit is a retrospective benefit which means it can be backdated three months at the point of claim. The DWP confirmed last month that older people who apply for Pension Credit before Thursday, August 18, 2022 - whose claim is later successful - will be eligible for the full £650 payment.
Pension Credit, is also a ‘passport’ benefit aimed at supporting people over State Pension age on a low income by providing on average up to £3,300 each year in financial support. It also acts as a ‘gateway’ to Council Tax, housing and NHS discounts along with free TV Licences for the over-75s.
